For perhaps the first time since Sean Payton arrived in 2006, the New Orleans Saints offense was painful to watch, especially in the second half and overtime when the unit struggled to sustain drives. In fact, the offense was held to a minus-16 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime, and quarterback Drew Brees went the final 27 minutes, 34 seconds without a completion.

SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNEKansas City Chiefs cornerback Stanford Routt (26) intercepts a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson (19) in the third quarter Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the Superdome in New Orleans.

The offensive line, especially right tackle Zach Strief, struggled against the Kansas City's 3-4 defense alignment. Brees, who did throw three touchdowns, was sacked four times and threw another costly interception.